Washington's phobia of Global Treaties

[PhiGam]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1224/p09s02-coop.html

Originally Posted by Article

Three quarters of the world's countries have signed an international agreement to ban antipersonnel landmines. The Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty – to never again use, produce, acquire, or export these so-called "hidden killers" of civilians – reached its 10th anniversary this month. But the United States is still not a signatory. Unfortunately this "just say no" approach to international treaties has become a pattern for the US, especially under the Bush administration. This trend must change. The president's successor should make it a high priority for the US to rejoin the world and reassume the country's role as a globally respected leader.

Very interesting read, a valid observation that I had never really noticed before.
I have no problem with the US refusing to sign global treaties that it doesn't agree with but the article points to the UN convention to protect the rights of the disabled, modeled after the Americans with disabilities act. If we agree with a treaty, then why wouldn't we sign it?

[DGTess]

Since Congress ratifies treaties, and the Congress has not ratified these, how exactly is it a Bush failure?

C'mon now. All international treaties? Cite sources?

I'm nowhere near a fan of the current administration, but I also note in the last five months, Congress has had an approval rating (in many polls) below that of the President.

Let's lay blame where it's due, if in fact you must lay blame.

[PhiGam]

Originally Posted by DGTess

Since Congress ratifies treaties, and the Congress has not ratified these, how exactly is it a Bush failure?

C'mon now. All international treaties? Cite sources?

I'm nowhere near a fan of the current administration, but I also note in the last five months, Congress has had an approval rating (in many polls) below that of the President.

Let's lay blame where it's due, if in fact you must lay blame.

The executive branch deals with the UN. The article cites many examples.